48 hours in Budapest: The perfect weekend itinerary
When it comes to a weekend in Budapest, it’s hard to know where to begin. Do you spend your time soaking in the city’s thermal baths? Do you marvel at the stunning architecture, like the iconic Fisherman’s Bastion or St. Stephen’s Basilica? Or do you simply spend all your time indulging in Hungary’s famous cuisine, from spicy paprika-laden dishes to fluffy Chimney Cakes topped with chocolate and nuts? The options are endless in this beautiful city. And of course, no trip to Budapest would be complete without a visit to Heroes’ Square and Parliament, where you can immerse yourself in Hungarian history.
Day 1 in Budapest – Friday evening
After checking-in to your accommodation, go for a walk around the city. Explore some of its many churches and monuments. This will give you a great perspective of what the city looks like and what are the sites you want to visit in the next two days.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian meal at one of the city’s many restaurants. Try some of the local specialties, such as goulash or chicken paprikash, washed down with a glass of red wine. Then, head out for a night on the town. Budapest has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained.
Budapest nightlife
One of the most popular clubs in Budapest is Instant. It’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Located in the heart of Hungary’s capital city, Instant is a nightclub unlike any other. The unique venue features multiple dance floors, each with its own theme and atmosphere. From disco to techno to funk, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And that’s not all – Instant also boasts Europe’s largest outdoor roof terrace, offering stunning views of the city skyline. But what really sets Instant apart is its colorful and interactive visual displays. As you dance the night away, be prepared to be mesmerized by multidimensional mapping projections and laser shows on the walls and ceilings.
Day 2 in Budapest – Saturday
After a hearty breakfast, start your second day in Budapest with a visit to the Hungarian Parliament Building. This imposing neo-Gothic building is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Take a tour of the interior, then head up to the roof for some stunning views of the Danube River and the cityscape.
In the afternoon, explore Budapest’s fascinating history at one of the city’s many museums. A must visit while in Budapest is the famous Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Palace.
Fisherman’s Bastion Budapest
If Fisherman’s Bastion were a person, it would most definitely be a diva. Nestled on the Buda side of the Danube river in Budapest, this ornate structure wants to make sure everyone knows it exists. I mean, come on – it even has its own Instagram filter. But what exactly is Fisherman’s Bastion? Well, it was built in 1901 as a terrace with seven overlook towers representing the seven Hungarian tribes that founded Hungary in 896 AD. It also serves as a memorial for Fishermen’s Guild who allegedly defended this section of the city walls during wars (hence the name Fisherman’s Bastion).
So why all the fuss over Fisherman’s Bastion? Simply put, its fantastic views of Budapest and its beautiful architecture make it a must-visit spot for any traveler in Hungary. Plus, who can resist taking that Artsy Instagram shot? Fisherman’s Bastion may be full of itself, but at least it has a good reason to be.
Later, take a cruise on the Danube River. Budapest is a beautiful, historic city – and there’s no better way to experience it than on a boat ride down the Danube River. From the deck, you’ll be able to see Budapest’s famous old buildings like Parliament and the Castle District in all their splendor. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of cruising past stunning landmarks on both the Buda and Pest sides of the river. And while some boat rides might just offer a boring tour guide spouting off historical facts, Budapest boat rides up the ante with options like nighttime illuminations or dinner cruises complete with live music. So go ahead and add a Budapest boat ride to your itinerary – trust me, it’s worth every penny.
End your day with a leisurely stroll through Andrássy Avenue, one of Budapest’s most fashionable streets. Admire the grandiose buildings and stop for a glass of wine at one of the many cafes and bars.
If you still have energy after a day full of exploring, head out to town. From iconic ruin bars to a club inside a cave, this city offers something for every kind of party-goer.
Ruin bars Budapest
The ruin bars are essentially bars and pubs that have been set up in abandoned buildings, often in the city’s old Jewish quarter. These buildings were left abandoned after World War II and the communist era. These buildings are now vibrant and bohemian hangouts, thanks to a wave of creative entrepreneurs and artists.
The first ruin bar opened in Budapest was Szimpla Kert in 2002. This place is a must on your Budapest weekend itinerary! Since then, the concept has exploded in popularity, and there are now dozens of ruin bars throughout the city. Each one has its own unique character, but they all share laid-back, off-beat vibes, with a mishmash of vintage furniture, street art, and eclectic décor.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the ruin bars is their history. Many of the buildings were left abandoned for decades, but have now been given a new life. The walls are often filled with graffiti and street art, adding to the bohemian atmosphere. It’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of the people of Budapest, who have turned these forgotten spaces into something special.
Day 3: Discover Budapest’s Thermal Baths – Sunday
Start your day with a refreshing dip in one of Budapest’s world-famous thermal baths. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the largest and most popular bath complex in the city. Although, there are many other wonderful options to choose from including the Gellért Baths, the Rudas Baths, and the Lukács Baths. This will be a great way to relax after a day of walking around the city! Don’t forget to bring along a swimsuit and some coins for locker rentals! These Budapest spas are all about immersion rather than lounging poolside.
Budapest spa culture
Budapest is famous for its glorious architecture and outstanding cuisine, but did you know it’s also renowned for its thermal springs and spa culture? Sitting atop over a hundred thermal springs, the city’s residents have been taking advantage of their healing properties since the Romans first arrived in the area thousands of years ago. Budapest’s spas range from grandiose baths housed in distinctive buildings such as Gellért and Széchenyi to more intimate outdoor pools. These places should not be missed on your Budapest weekend itinerary!
Later you can visit the Great Market Hall. This large indoor market offers stalls selling everything from fresh produce to traditional Hungarian foods. There you can buy some souvenirs to take home with you.
Getting around Budapest
Even though Budapest is a large city, the best way to get around the city centre is by walking around. Budapest does have busses, tram and metro which is great if you will be staying out of the centre. Although all the main attractions are reachable by foot. Since the architecture is stunning, it would be a shame to miss a second of it by taking the metro!
With so much to do and see, a weekend in Budapest is definitely not enough time to fully experience everything it has to offer. But trust me – it’ll leave you wanting more. Hopefully these activities will give you plenty of time to fall in love with the city and start planning yet another Budapest weekend itinerary!
To find some more trip ideas take a look at my other travel destinations!